The UK’s nuclear energy landscape has taken a significant step forward with the confirmation of life extensions for two of its aging power stations, Heysham 1 and Hartlepool. These stations, now expected to generate electricity until March 2028, will provide an additional year of low-carbon power beyond previous expectations. This decision underscores the UK’s commitment to energy security and its ambition to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Heysham 1 and Hartlepool currently power over 4 million homes annually, contributing to the UK’s clean energy supply. The extensions, announced by Centrica, which holds a 20% share in these stations, are part of a broader strategy to diversify the UK’s energy mix. “The UK needs more reliable, affordable, zero-carbon electricity, so the extension of Heysham 1 and Hartlepool is great news,” stated Chris O’Shea, Group Chief Executive of Centrica. “We believe in having a diversified energy system, with nuclear power playing a key role in ensuring stability and sustainability for decades to come.”
The extensions are projected to add approximately 3 TWh to Centrica’s electricity generation volumes between 2026 and 2030, contributing to the total of 12 TWh announced since December 2024. This move is not just about extending the life of existing infrastructure but also about paving the way for new investments. Centrica’s recent acquisition of a 15% equity stake in Sizewell C, a new 3.2 GW nuclear power station under construction in Suffolk, highlights this commitment. The UK Government, with a 44.9% equity stake, is the largest single investor in this project, ensuring that the benefits of this critical infrastructure are shared by the British public.
Sizewell C is expected to support 10,000 jobs at the height of construction, with thousands more throughout the wider UK supply chain. The project includes 1,500 apprenticeships, providing valuable training opportunities for the next generation of workers. Notably, 70% of the construction value is expected to be awarded to British businesses, involving an estimated 3,500 UK companies across the country. This investment will deliver a significant boost to local and national economic development.
Once commissioned, Sizewell C will provide zero-carbon baseload power to the UK for at least the next 60 years, supporting the UK’s long-term decarbonisation journey. “Our longstanding involvement in the UK nuclear industry is an investment in Britain’s energy independence and thousands of high-quality jobs,” O’Shea concluded. “Our recent investments in Sizewell C and the Isle of Grain LNG Terminal further underscore our commitment to securing the UK’s energy future through a range of low-carbon technologies.”
The extensions of Heysham 1 and Hartlepool, coupled with the investment in Sizewell C, signal a robust strategy to ensure energy security while advancing the UK’s decarbonisation goals. This development is likely to shape the future of the UK’s energy sector, encouraging further investment in low-carbon technologies and reinforcing the role of nuclear power in the country’s energy mix. As the UK navigates its energy transition, these steps are crucial in balancing immediate energy needs with long-term sustainability.